Thursday, May 10, 2012

Proud Mommy Moments: Bikes

It is Thursday which means it is time for Proud Mommy Moments (#PMM).
This is your
weekly chance to brag about the awesome things your kids, nieces,
nephews, etc did and no one will judge because we told you to you
to. Or you can do the opposite and tell us about those moments
your kids made you so "proud"- i.e. something totally
embarrassing. Please grab the button for your post and visit my
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Every Thursday!

"Look at this!" I called to Lucas. I showed him a video of his cousin- his cousin who is a few months younger than he is riding a bike- without training wheels. "We should try again, you could do it too" I encouraged; it had been well over a year since he last tried riding his bike without training wheels.

"Okay let's do it." he agreed.

But a few weeks passed and when the opportunities would arise he always chose to ride his scooter instead.

"Look at this!" I once again called to Lucas- now showing him the video of his cousin who is a year younger riding his bike.

But once again- his anxiety won and he chose his scooter instead.

Alex decided she wanted to ride, two weeks ago we went out into the culd-du-sac and held onto the back of her bike as she tried to ride around without training wheels. After several spills and falls she finally made it about five feet without someone holding on.

A week later, this last Monday, while my parents were here visiting, Alex said she wanted to try again. We headed to the local park with a big empty parking lot so she would have more room to try. She hopped on her bike, I held onto the back and she peddled. "Okay, I am going to let go now." I said. I let go and she did it! She almost fell a few times and could not turn for corners at first but about ten minutes after that she was riding everywhere.

And where was Lucas?

Right here.

He didn't want to try and brought his scooter to the park and spent his time on the swings. I knew he just needed to get out of his head and try it and he would be awesome.

That evening when Eric got home we all headed again to the park; Alex riding her bike there- Lucas pushing his bike-the training wheels removed- he said he was ready.

As soon as we were there Alex hopped on her bike and was riding circles around Lucas, even standing up at times and giving Eric a high-five as she went by. Lucas' anxiety got the best of him and he was not going to try.

Eric asked him, what are you afraid of? Finally Lucas admitted falling. Eric promised he would not let Lucas fall.

And then he tried- soon Eric let go and he was doing it!! Lucas was so stable and steady while Alex still wobbled a bit at her much faster pace.

I was so happy for both of my kids! They learned to ride on bikes without training wheels on the same day. Now Eric and I need to get some bikes.

That is awesome! Congrats to your kids and especially to Lucas for overcoming his anxiety and doing it! My 7-year-old can't ride on two wheels yet and is very anxious about falling and holding his balance on a bike. I wish he had a younger sibling to show him how it's done! We'll keep working on it until he gets it!

Was that awesome, or what! That Alex...she has some kind of athletic talent...SERIOUS! And Lucas...good job identifying what you were afraid of, but trying it anyway. I just laughed and cheered while watching the kids ride. Incredible age we live it...I live hundreds of miles away and I didn't miss it. Good job kiddos! I love you! Thanks Emily...thanks so much!

Yay!! We went through this last year and it was all a mental game. The fear of falling is a powerful one but he ended up learning once we found a method that helped him feel more in control. It was so empowering to watch him overcome that fear and learn. Yay for Lucas and Alex!

What a huge milestone for them both! I was so excited, giddy, & yes even tears ran down my face as my girl learned last year. I am definitely going to be a wreck when my youngest learns & I won't have any more to teach. Uggghhh this growing up thing is so tough on the mamas. :)

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I'm a Midwest born, Living out West, SAHM of 3. I'm a glass-half full but keeping it real kind of girl. I'm a professional photographer, wannabe crafter, and lately lucky if I make a real dinner. On my blog I share life, pretty pictures, crafts and sometimes even get a little bit political. Mostly I am just taking life One Day At a Time.

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